Ramos v. Steven

Efrain Ramos, who is serving a life sentence in a Florida prison, appeals the denial of his request for visitation of his minor children. He initiated the action against *1254Carol Lynn Steven, the mother of his two children. Steven opposed Ramos’ request for visitation. The trial court denied Ramos’ request without a hearing, opining that the childrens’ visitation with Ramos in prison would be “detrimental to the children.” § 61.13(2)002, Fla. Stat. (2000).

The summary disposition without a hearing deprived Ramos of basic due process. Ramos made a timely request for a telephonic appearance and is…